For cyclist Eve

Picture: Ken Finegan awards is to recognise the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports.

Olympic silver medallist Annalise Murphy, who was the August winner, was crowned The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year for 2016.

Murphy, from Dublin, displayed tremendous courage and skill to bounce back from the disappointment of a 4th place finish at the London Olympics in 2012 to claim silver in Rio. Her success was Ireland’s first medal in sailing since Moscow 1980.

One of Ireland’s greatest ever runners’, Sonia O’Sullivan, who won silver at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Sport Award 2016.

The guest of honour Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald highlighted the award winners’ role in encouraging women to participate in sport.

‘Every woman here today is a role model and an inspiration. And I know they will continue to be role models, not just throughout their sporting careers, but afterwards, hammering home the message that activity is good.’

‘That team sports teach us to rely on others and be worthy of the reliance of others. That solo sports require a fierce continued dedication. That activity is its own reward.

‘All of those things are important to women....and these awards are a marvellous and elegant way of celebrating success and sharing that success’ the Tánaiste said.